Rafael Nadal reveals stance on 'regrets' and thinks Novak Djokovic will have 'small mental breakdown'

Rafael Nadal reveals stance on 'regrets' and thinks Novak Djokovic will have 'small mental breakdown'

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Rafael Nadal opens up on Novak Djokovic

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 26/10/2024

- 13:50

The Spaniard will retire from the sport next month

Rafael Nadal has admitted he has some regrets as he prepares to retire - and believes Novak Djokovic will have a 'small mental breakdown' now he's walking away from the sport.

The 38-year-old recently confirmed he'd be quitting tennis after a glittering career that has seen him win a staggering 22 Grand Slam titles.


Nadal is one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

But he's confirmed that he has a few regrets as he prepares to bring the curtain down on his glittering career.

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal recently announced his retirement from tennis

PA

"Yes, of course, that's all I'd like to say," he said.

"Of course I would change things, obviously. Those who say no, that they wouldn't change anything, are deeply arrogant.

"Of course I've made a lot of mistakes in my career and in my life too. You accept it and look ahead.

"On Mondays, we all always know what we would have done on Friday. But I've always tried to do things the way I felt and with good intentions.

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"And what have I done wrong? What have I made decisions that have led me to more problems later? Yes, but many times it has also worked out well for me and I've ended up winning very important tournaments.

"So, where is the balance? If we knew on Monday, if we had always chosen the conservative option, then maybe instead of having what I have, I would have 12 Grand Slams.

"It's always difficult to find the perfect balance, but of course, if I went back now, I would tell you exactly the points in which I wouldn't repeat what I did."

With Nadal set to join Andy Murray and Roger Federer in retirement, it means Djokovic is the sole member of the 'big four' still playing.

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And Nadal thinks Djokovic will follow him in quitting tennis soon, once he's had a 'small mental breakdown'.

"I think it's human that Novak, even if he's still healthy, is of a certain age and it's logical that the clock takes its toll on all of us and that, once Federer has gone, once I'm gone, since we've been his two great rivals, at some point he also has a small mental breakdown and will find a reason to step aside," he continued.

"That's what happens to everyone. And Novak is good enough to, if he's healthy, continue to be competitive at the highest level and aspire to win the most important tournaments.

"And if he's still happy doing what he does, he'll keep doing it. If at some point, everything he has to do to have a chance of continuing to be at the highest level is no longer worth it, then he'll step aside, that's what I think.

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Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal has won a staggering 22 Grand Slams throughout his career

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"And the others have the option of having a long career, with a lot of success.

"These two [Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz] are above everyone else. I don't see a rival who can overshadow them on a continuous basis.

"On a day-to-day basis, there are obviously a lot of very good people.

"But in the medium term, there is no one who can really compete with them as long as they don't have an injury that prevents them from performing at the same level."

Novak Djokovic

Rafael Nadal thinks Novak Djokovic will have a 'small mental breakdown' before he announces his own retirement

PA

Nadal will retire from tennis as the Davis Cup next month.

Their first tie of the week will be against the Netherlands on November 19.

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